Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tuscany are the historic churches. While there are many churches to visit and experience firsthand, there are three in particular that are some of the most photographed buildings in the world. Whether you enjoy photography, history, or impressive architecture, there is something for just about everyone.

San Galgano Abbey is one of the more unique churches thanks to its enormous roofless Gothic cathedral. Although it was originally built with the roof, 836 m high Bell tower collapsed in 1786 and took a huge portion of the churches roof with it.

This open air feel gives the church an atmosphere that is unlike any other religious building in the world. The unique style has made the church a popular backdrop for a wide variety of events.

Amongst the colourful southern Tuscany countryside beside the village of Vitaleta, lies a charming little house of praise called the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta. One of the most photographed churches in Tuscany, this mystical building used to be the home of a Renaissance statue of the Madonna sculpted by the artist, Andrea della Robbia in 1590. Built in the middle of a hill, this spectacular tourist attraction was restored in 1184 by the architect Giuseppe Partini and was recently classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dotted across this magnificent countryside are many peaceful holiday villas and luxury accommodation to stay in and soak in the undisturbed natural beauty of the area.

In the beautiful hilltop village of Montalcino you will be gifted with the sight of colourful hills, valleys of red and yellow flowers, ripening olive trees and delicious sunshine as you look at the beauty and peace that surrounds this place. Only a short drive along a winding road outside the fortified walls of Montalcino stands the breathtaking Sant’Antimo Abbey. This 12th century Benedictine monastery, famous for its architecture and the many legends which encase it seems perfectly situated in its isolation.

Surrounded by the fruits of nature, this majestic Abbey will evoke a sense of awe and wonderment among any visitor who encounters it. There are many picturesque villas and other types of accommodation here to rent and enjoy the picturesque countryside all around.

One of the most popular legends enveloping the Abbey says that it was founded in 781 by Charlemagne, a famous Frankish leader also known as the ‘Father of Europe’. He and his army were travelling back from Rome when he noticed his men falling ill with a mysterious virus. They stopped to rest and Charlemagne had a vision of an angel telling him to make a drink infusion using a local herb and to give it to his soldiers to drink. The cure worked and as a token of his gratitude, Charlemagne ordered a church to be built on this site in honour of this miracle.

Set in a luscious valley around forty kilometres from Siena city, lies the breathtaking ruins of the San Galgano Abbey. This medieval Cistercense building attracts many visitors who gaze upon its beautifully designed Romanesque walls and columns. In the hills and valleys surrounding this magnificent building are some beautiful self catering farmhouses, villas and other holiday rentals available to enjoy a peaceful and inspirational stay. What makes this 13th century Abbey look so surreal is its missing roof and grass floor; it seems to have perfectly merged with nature and many have spoken of the peaceful feeling they get as they walk around its walls.

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (English: Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower) is the main church of Florence, Italy. The Duomo, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.
The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.


The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. The three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major attraction to tourists visiting the region of Tuscany. The basilica is one of Italy's largest churches, and until development of new structural materials in the modern era, the dome was the largest in the world. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.
The cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence, whose archbishop is currently Giuseppe Betori.